Cillian Murphy Reflects on a Decade as Tommy Shelby, and the Future of ‘Peaky Blinders’

After more than a decade embodying the iconic, and often ruthless, Tommy Shelby, Cillian Murphy is reflecting on the impact of the role and the future of the Peaky Blinders franchise. With the release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, a film intended to conclude the saga, Murphy discusses the defining nature of the character and the unique experience of growing with him over a long period.

A Defining Role

Cillian Murphy first stepped into the role of Tommy Shelby in 2013, leading the Shelby organized crime gang through six series of the critically acclaimed Peaky Blinders. He describes playing Shelby for so long as a “gift and privilege,” and acknowledges the profound impact the character has had on his career. “To grow older with a character, you don’t really get to do that, and that is the joy of long-form television,” Murphy stated in an interview with BBC News. He also noted that the show’s success felt unexpected, yet deeply gratifying.

‘The Immortal Man’: A Fitting Conclusion

The recently released film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, serves as a continuation and conclusion to the series, set against the backdrop of World War II. Murphy explained that the film needed to justify its existence and provide a compelling narrative, ultimately focusing on the complex relationship between Tommy Shelby and his son, Duke Shelby, played by Barry Keoghan as reported by The Independent.

The film sees Tommy Shelby drawn back from self-imposed exile amidst the turmoil of the Second World War. In a dramatic turn, Tommy is fatally shot while thwarting a Nazi plot, a fate Murphy believes was inevitable. “I don’t think so,” Murphy said of the possibility of Tommy surviving, “I think that we all kind of felt like this would be the final chapter” according to E! News. The final act of the film involves Duke Shelby reluctantly fulfilling his father’s request and delivering the fatal shot.

A Role Unlike Any Other

Murphy emphasizes the uniqueness of his experience with Tommy Shelby, stating he’ll “never experience that again.” The length of time spent with the character allowed for a depth of research and a natural evolution alongside Shelby, a luxury rarely afforded to actors. He acknowledges the role as “defining” for him, and expresses immense pride in the show’s enduring legacy as detailed in The Independent.

Beyond the Blinders

While Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man marks a significant conclusion to Tommy Shelby’s story, Cillian Murphy’s career continues to flourish. He recently won an Oscar for his leading role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and has appeared in films such as Small Things Like These and Steve, a film about a man attempting to reform a 1990s boys’ reform school while grappling with his own mental health.

Despite his success in other roles, Murphy maintains a clear affection for Tommy Shelby and the world of Peaky Blinders, a character and series that has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on his career.